Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/639204
DILBERT ScottAdams PEARLSBEFORESWINE StephanPastis PICKLES BrianCrane BABYBLUES JerryScott&RickKirkman THEDUPLEX GlennMcCoy ZITS JerryScott&JimBorgman SHERMAN'SLAGOON JimToomey ARGYLESWEATER ScottHilburn BIZARRO DanPiraro DEARREADERS»Ihave stepped away from my daily column for two weeks. I hope you'll enjoy these topical "best of" questions and answers while I'm away. DEAR AMY » I've been con- fused about something for several years, and I'm hoping that maybe some of your readers can clear this up for me. It seems that lately, for a person with black or brown skin of African de- scent, the P.C. term to use is "African-American." I find this to be quite ridiculous, as the large majority of blacks in this country are of many races, including white, Native American and Hispanic, and haven't been able to trace their roots to Africa for many generations. My race is consid- ered "white," and I have ancestors that trace back to areas all over Europe. I d on 't r ef er t o my se lf a s "European-American," nor do we use that term for the large number of white Americans who trace their roots back to Europe. The blacks I personally know prefer to be called "black," but it seems that everyone is afraid to use that term anymore. If you're a first-generation American from another part of the world, I can see how the hyphenation "works." But in the end, aren't most of us simply "Americans"? What do black Ameri- cans really want to be called, and why? —AnAmericanin Florida DEAR AMERICAN » In America, being white is the default position. You and I and other whites don't have to describe and define our race in the course of everyday life because we are the ones doing the describing. When was the last time you heard a white Ameri- can described as "white," where race identifiers are routinely used to identify everyone else? If Native Americans want to be referred to as "Natives," by others, even when they might refer to themselves as "Indi- ans," then that should be their choice. I'm aware of Americans several genera- tions remove d fro m t he old country who would like to be known as Ital- ian — or Irish-Americans. So be it. In my mind, people have a right to define themselves and to ask that others refer to them using their preferred term. If that term changes over the decades (could you imagine referring to a black or brown American as "colored" — the way whites did when I was a child?), then these chang- es are a result of our becoming more sophisti- cated and respectful. Take heart, though. As the racial makeup of this country changes, either we'll all become "Ameri- cans," or you and I will be searching for a terminol- ogy that suits us, because the majority non-white American population will need to find a way to de- scribe us. I'd be happy to run responses from other readers who might want to weigh in on this issue and/or state a preference. (April 2006) Awkward descriptions are a challenge in etiquette rules You can contact Amy Dickinson via email: askamy@tribpub.com and follow her on Twitter @askingamy. Amy Dickinson Ask Amy Sudoku Instructions:Theobjectistoplacethe numbers1to9intheemptysquaresso thateachrow,eachcolumnandeach 3x3boxcontainsthenumberonlyonce. AnswertoPreviousPuzzle CelebrityCipher ByLuisCampos Instructions:CelebrityCiphercryptogramsarecreatedfromquotationsbyfamouspeople, pastandpresent.Eachletterinthecipherstandsforanother. NEACrossword Aquarius(Jan.20-Feb.19) — Stick to your game plan. Giv- ing in to temptation will not end well. Strive to reach the goals that will help you excel. Pisces (Feb. 20-March 20) — You will get ahead, make financial gains and find your niche if you are diligent in your pursuit of happiness and satisfaction. Aries (March 21-April 19) — Observation will help you recognize what will and won't work. Be fastidious in the way you approach your job in order to avoid the wrath of someone waiting for you to screw up. Taurus (April 20-May 20) — What you do out of kindness and respect will result in all sorts of rewards. Your actions will make others take notice. Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Don't jump in to something too quickly. What sounds feasible at first will turn out to be a fiasco. Bide your time and consider the practicality of whatever you want to pursue. Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Surprise everyone by mak- ing an unusual change to the way you look or live. It's time to shake things up a bit and to do things the way you want to do them. Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — You'll feel anxious if you give in to someone you disagree with. Don't be afraid to say no or walk away from an argument that is impossible to win. Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Avoid bullies and fast talkers. Explore your ideas and invest in the possibilities that make you the most excited. Be true to yourself and spend time with like-minded people. Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 23) — Trust in your abilities and make the changes that will bring you a high return. Back away from situations that are limiting. Don't be afraid to make a move. Scorpio (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) — Speak up, share your ideas and concerns and make things happen. You can make a dif- ference if you put your plans in motion. Love freely and unconditionally. Sagittarius (Nov. 23-Dec. 21) — Stop before you go too far. There will be a fine line between too little and too much. Moderation in all your dealings will be the key to success. Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Your instincts will lead you to something or someone that will change your life. An open mind will encourage others to share their aspirations. You can make a difference. Horoscope By Eugenia Last THURSDAY, FEB. 11 THURSDAY,FEBRUARY11,2016 REDBLUFFDAILYNEWS.COM |YOURDAILYBREAK | 3 B